Carson junior Jace Keema (21) took over for Joe Nelson at quarterback in the first half after Nelson injured his knee.
RENO — Carson High junior quarterback Jace Keema got his first extended time under center in a non-blowout situation, and he passed with flying colors.
Keema entered the game late in the first quarter when starter Joe Nelson went out of the game with an ankle injury.
Keema played the remainder of the game, scoring twice on short TD runs and throwing a 34-yard TD pass to Asa Carter in the third quarter of Saturday’s 44-13 win over Bishop Manogue.
Keema went 1-for-5 passing for the aforementioned 34 yards and carried the ball six times for 40 yards.
“I think he did a pretty nice job,” CHS coach Blair Roman said. “The problem with being a back-up quarterback is you don’t get a ton of reps.
“If Joe is unable to play against Galena, I have complete confidence in Jace.”
So does Nelson, who was seen conferring often with Keema on the bench during the game.
“I think Jace will do a really good job if I can’t go,” Nelson said. “He’ll take the team as far as they can go. He’s my boy.”
Kids are sometimes their own worst critics, and Keema didn’t seem wild about his performance.
“There were some definite high points, but I wasn’t as consistent as I should have been,” he said. “Against (almost) any other team it wouldn’t have gotten the job done.”
One thing is certain, Keema isn’t afraid to run the ball, and he’s tough to bring down.
With Keema at the helm, Carson got a first down on every drive but one. Carson scored five times in eight possessions with Keema at the controls.
Roman has felt all along he has two starting quarterbacks on the team.
If Nelson can’t go, at least Keema is going to get the bulk of the snaps this week. That can only help the young quarterback, especially in the passing game.
If Keema does quarterback, look for Jordan Aikins to start at outside linebacker.